The number of young women with heart disease is on the rise. They become sick because of a combination of a stressful work environment, a lack of healthy exercise, obesity, and smoking.
Heart = pain
Research has shown that an unsatisfying love life can be an important stress factor for woman and can increase their likelihood of suffering stroke and cardiovascular disease. It is unclear whether or not this is true for men.
Research has also shown if women have too high levels of the poison homocysteine in their blood as well as too low levels of the vitamin folic acid, their risk of having a heart attack is increased. This is also true when smoking and obesity, which are probably the most important risk factors for heart attack, are figured into the equation. Low levels of vitamins B6 and B12 contribute to an increased production of homocysteine.
Homocysteine and cardiovascular disease
Homocysteine is a health detrimental by product of the body’s protein metabolism. When we eat more protein, normally from meat, than the body’s enzymes and vitamins can process, a great deal harmful substances are produced, including homocystein.
Homocysteine is an often overlooked factor in the development of blood clots and arteriosclerosis. An increased homocysteine level in the blood can in some cases be genetic.
Women should first and foremost focus on lifestyle changes which can rectify this situation. It is also a good idea to take relevant dietary supplements. The following is a summary of the most relevant:
Vitamin E
Vitamin E reduces some of homocysteine’s harmful effects because of its antioxidant properties. It is most effective when used together with vitamin C and the mineral, selenium. Take 200-400 IE daily.
Selenium
Many researchers have indicated that a low selenium intake is an important factor in the development of heart disease. Selenium is most effective when used together with vitamin E. Take between 100-300 micrograms daily.
Folic acid
Folic acid is a fragile vitamin which can be broken down by light, air, and warmth. Folic acid deficiency is common in women of industrial countries. Pre-made food, nutrient poor food, and the use of birth control pills, increases the need for folic acid. The absolute minimum requirement for adult women is 200 micrograms daily, but daily intake should be near double this amount.
Folic acid can be found in orange juice, bananas, green vegetables in general, and especially in beans, broccoli, and many types of cabbage.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is much like folic acid. Some women need large amounts of B6 and almost no women get enough of this vitamin. The use of birth control pills increases the need. B6 is found in brown rice, corn products, and vegetables. B6 intake should be no less than 25 mg. daily.
Vitamin B12
The function of vitamin B12 is much like that of folic acid, and it is just as fragile. Women who smoke or are exposed to passive smoking destroy their B12 reserves. Normally large B12 deposits can be found in the liver. Vitamin B12 is almost exclusively found in animal products. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or are vegetarian, need to take special care in getting enough B12. Adults need between 3-4 micrograms daily. Supplements taken in tablet form should be taken in an amount no less than 25 micrograms daily.
Carnitine
This amino acid removes fats from the blood and converts these fats into energy. Heart attacks drain the body of this amino acid. Carnitine increases the level of beneficial HDL cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also improves heart function is suffering oxygen deficiency due to arteriosclerosis. We produce enough carnitine in our bodies if we eat healthily and have no health problems. Therapeutically it is most realistic to take carnitine as a dietary supplement. Take 1 gr. Carnitine 2-3 times daily together with vitamin C.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C poorly tolerates heat and sunlight, but is, together with vitamin E, an important antioxidant which protects against heart disease. Take 2-3 gr. vitamin C daily with meals.
Magnesium
This is a very important mineral for women and for all kinds of heart problems. Pregnancy and nursing increase its demand. Nuts contain high levels of magnesium. Studies have shown that women who eat about 150 gr. nuts weekly decrease their risk of heart attack by about 30 % when compared to women who seldom or never eat nuts. Magnesium intake should be about 500-700 mg daily.
Copper
This trace element is important for heart function because a low copper intake can lead to cardiovascular problems. Even so, a too high copper level is far more common. This can lead to severe mental problems, aggression, and restlessness. The ratio between copper and zinc in the body should be between 1:8 and 1:10. Birth control pills increase the copper levels in the blood. Normally we need 2-3 mg. copper daily.
Coenzyme Q10
Q10 is necessary for the cells to be able to produce energy. This substance has been shown to decrease the frequency of heart attack I angina pectoris patients. Q10 is a powerful antioxidant. There is no reason for healthy, young people to take supplementary Q10 because the body produces it naturally. This production falls with age. Heart patients have had good results from 150 mg Q10 daily. A preventative dose is about 20 mg. daily.
Omega 3 fish oil
This essential fatty acid is known for its ability to counteract blood clots high cholesterol. Fish oil is of course found in fish, but can also be found in linseed oil. An example of a therapeutic dose is 2 1000 mg capsules morning and evening with food.
